Honestly though, why would they(xbox one) allow dolby through HDMI and not through optical? That makes no sense whatsoever.

Optical is pretty old hat now - the receiving DAC has no say about the data rate it's given (ok it does but it's a slight kludge). USB is better that way and HDMI I'm pretty sure is the same. Hardly critical with an Xbox though (*Edit -actually I take that back.. MS are trying to make it the XBox the hub of all that is multimedia in the living room).

I was simply saying that there were a lot of youtube videos on the past 2 pages. I hadn't actually watched any of them.

Well yeah there were a bunch, but I posted on my thread because this thread is mostly about headphones (that work well with a Mixamp while gaming), while my thread is a compilation of interesting/useful sound systems, with a big "article" about different surround sound techniques on the first page. I wrote that "article" as a companion to Mad's headphone reviews (and Nameless' configuration guide), in case someone was interested in the different forms of surround sound.

I think it's a community service to make info easy to find, and occasionally I work to contribute. That's why I got so excited when Chico linked it yesterday ^_^

Well... I wrote it in my guide. Though I'm still formulating an opinion on SBX. I have gathered some of the best samples I could find of several of the different virtual surround techniques in my article, so you can see what you like best. If I learn how to make my own SBX sample, I will.

Martin and Conq,
I wouldn't say Polk makes the best stuff in the world, and they've only recently (from what I've seen) started making headphones at all, but I have a pair of Polk Monitor M40's, they're smooth and I think exemplify how the brand is a good value. My 3 driver bookshelf speakers sound much better than any soundbar or Home Theater in a Box (HTIB) I've yet heard, though Polk has started making their own soundbars. Their monitor speakers get high ratings on newegg and Amazon as well.Edited by Evshrug - 11/20/13 at 2:49pm

Well... I wrote it in my guide. Though I'm still formulating an opinion on SBX. I have gathered some of the best samples I could find of several of the different virtual surround techniques in my article, so you can see what you like best. If I learn how to make my own SBX sample, I will.

Martin and Conq,
I wouldn't say Polk makes the best stuff in the world, and they've only recently (from what I've seen) started making headphones at all, but I have a pair of Polk Monitor M40's, they're smooth and I think exemplify how the brand is a good value. My 3 driver bookshelf speakers sound much better than any soundbar or Home Theater in a Box (HTIB) I've yet heard, though Polk has started making their own soundbars. Their monitor speakers get high ratings on newegg and Amazon as well.

Are they powered speakers or do you use an amp with them? I agree with you an amp dac and speakers beats a sound bar!

Who knows maybe it's a different chip for the optical out that can't do that? Hard to say if it's something fixable by a simple firmware update.

To that Polk text... That leaves me completely cold. It is something every DH-processed headphone does. The text says nothing about the headphone's quality. I really don't know Polk Audio at all and have never really used any of their product.

This reminds me a bit about Beats' marketing but I pray to god I am wrong.

I agree, I hate when marketing information talks down to you. They do list tech specs:

They also have a 'Melee' headset that is apparently more robust in the virtual surround dept. "Tailor your audio experience with four Immersion Modes (Forza Racer, Halo FPS, Music and Cinema)."

Why the silly EQ names I dont know, but from the specs I doubt these headphones will be much. But Im more interested in the virtual surround tech, and especially since it is all driven from a chat adapter that plugs into the controller.

A bit expensive, but at least it should support Dolby through it's optical output. I haven't confirmed that, but it doesn't seem likely as it plainly states Dolby Digital support.Edited by Mad Lust Envy - 11/20/13 at 10:16pm

^HDMI still can, so SURE. That HDMI->Optical adapter would be called a receiver, ROFL!

Astro may come out with a new Mixamp featuring HDMI input (or someone else), but by the time you get a new device you might as well get one supporting DTS HX with the support for overhead positional channels. I'm just as surprised as you, but I guess accessory backwards compatibility is the same story as previous-gen games.

In my mind, it's just one more solidifying thing against the Xbox 1. First, it was the anti-used game policy, I know a lot of publishers would've loved that and I know they reversed the decision, but it was the principle of it. Then, there was the online DRM checking, they also reversed that but it adds to the strikes on principle. This adds to the strike against M$ because they advertised better servers and no hacking for the years of Xbox Live I've paid for, but I've never seen any improvement in those areas, just saw a fee to unlock online multiplayer. I was starting to shrug off all that, thinking maybe I'm being too harsh and the XB1 really would deliver a new, premium experience, and the new controller and Halo were calling me... But BAM! We wanna shove new accessories and paid subscription entertainment like HBO and Netflix and Sports down your consumer gullet, We're Microsoft, the big money stash that never dies, you're welcome!

...

...

If I reeeeally wanted, it so happens that I could still get (IMO) the equivalent of DH by hooking the HDMI up to my Yamaha receiver for Silent Cinema mode.
*Shrug*Edited by Evshrug - 11/20/13 at 10:19pm

This could be perfect for my mom, as she refuses to upgrade her ancient receiver (I think it has Coax instead of optical input for surround). Thanks for the find!

Can't you just get a digital coax to optical converter (or vice versa)? It's cheaper than the switcher, in fact I need to buy another optical to digital coax converter, as right now, I'm constantly switching from the Ps3 to Ps4's optical cables on the Mixamp.

To be honest, I wish I hadn't sold my 5.8. I'm tired of all the cables going from my center to my bed...Edited by Mad Lust Envy - 11/20/13 at 11:24pm

I've had it confirmed that the Xbox One will indeed not support any Dolby technology at launch due to a decision made by Microsoft. However, this will not render your equipment unusable or reduce your audio quality. When you receive your Xbox One, you will need to set the optical output to stereo. Our equipment will then take that signal and upscale it to a 7.1 Enhanced Surround Sound signal using Dolby Pro Logic IIx and Dolby Headphone to make it feel more realistic and natural as you've been accustomed to on the Xbox 360 and PS3.

So in the end, no matter which console you choose, you will still have a Dolby Digital experience.

I understand it's a little disheartening hearing this a day before launch and can only apologise for this. I'll be back on the forums in a couple of hours after some rest to answer any questions you might have regarding this situation so feel free to post them now and I'll get you a response as quickly as possible.

"You won't gain true surround sound as the rear channels and centre speaker will be missing. It'll be stereo so 2.1 at maximum although the audio quality should remain mostly the same and once Dolby Pro Logic and Dolby Headphone have done their magic, the audio should sound even better and more natural just like on the Xbox 360.

- Mitchell"

These statements are a little misleading. At one point he says you won't have true surround. Then goes on to say it should sound better and more natural. The language he uses here is really confusing. should we have been using stereo all along? Got to love PR speak. A dts-x device can't come fast enough.